Then there’s the process of making many of the components: creating templates, cutting out metal and wood pieces, then

filing…sanding…painting…drying…re-sanding…re-painting…

beating with a rock…

waxing…and shining up each little part.

When I use recycled components, there’s often the need to extract them from their former incarnations, which can be time consuming and difficult, occasionally conjuring up a choice word or two – but luckily, that’s allowed in my husband’s and my respective workshops.

Then comes the lengthy process of selecting just the right elements for a particular piece, but that was prevoiusly addressed in the post Processing It All.

Let us not forget that I need to figure out just how to attach all these pieces together, which might sound inconsequential, yet takes an estimated 56.2% of my time…

Then there’s the covering up of any sloppily adheared parts…

Then there’s hunting down, selecting, and the making/attaching of the all- important finishing details = a full 19.8% of my time…

And finally the hanging…signing…naming…

cataloguing…description writing…

taking and uploading of photos…

transporting…

and finally the marketing of said art!

Sometimes it’s exhausting just thinking about all that’s involved, yet the complexity of the process just may be what keeps it interesting and fresh for me, in “never a dull moment” and “there’s always something new and interesting to figure out” sorts of ways. Luckily, there are still people that appreciate objects de arte that are uniquely hand made by real folks who actually revel in getting their hands dirty!

No doubt I’m not alone in experiencing this type of laborious progression in my work. But you all DO know that some of us novice artists average about $3.62 an hour, right?

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7 Responses to “Multitudinous Steps”

Yes, that is a lot of work you do there and fittingly so, because your work is one of a kind. You put your soul into it.I had to go back re-read all you do and goodness, you need to charge more than $3.62 an hour. Tee Hee. I could be so lucky as to have some of your excellent skills. I’ll watch you, and maybe I’ll learn how to really be an artist. Thanks for sharing your divine skills.

It is amazing how much goes into something when you think about it! Like you though I do enjoy the process. A big part is the thinking that goes on for a while before starting something-the invisible work part of it. All fun!

Nor did I go into teaching for the cash rewards…it’s the pure joy of contributing, working with one’s hands and heart, creating something beautiful, and sharing what we can with the world. Life is awesome!

I can’t tell you how glad I am that you viisted my blog and how much I appreciate your sweet comments. We have so much in common: teaching, flea markets, everything Dia, music… Your art is wonderful!I’m going to add you to my blog roll right now, so I can visit you often. I’m really looking forward to exploring your blog and website and seeing more of your work.

Whoa! I hear you about all of the steps in the overall process. If people actually knew how much time and effort was invested in the piece the would be really surprised and each piece would be sold for about $2,345.78!!!! Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a kind comment.
Smiles,
Melissa